Boxxyball

ABSTRACT

A ball game is submitted. The ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxes. Each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches × 12 inches, and the game ball is around 5 inches in diameter. A user stands on either side of the elevated, flat surface and may throw the ball through one of the holes (boxes) in the elevated, flat surface. Another user stands on the opposite side of the elevated, flat surface and may catch the ball and return it in the same way. The height of the elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, the number, and dimensions of the holes (boxes), and the size of the game ball may be changed/adjusted. However, the holes (boxes) in the net are at least 50% larger than the diameter of the game ball, e.g., in another embodiment, there are three rows of eight boxes, where each hole (box) in the net is 14 inches x 14 inches, and the game ball is around 6 inches in diameter.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a novel catch-and-throw game, volleyball-typegame court, and unique apparatus where the game ball is caught andthrown through the elevated flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are three rows of ten boxes and each hole (box) inthe net is 12 inches x 12 inches.

The popularity of ball games is a burgeoning one, particularlyvolleyball-type games. In traditional volleyball, two teams separated bya net, compete against the other within the confines of a rectangularcourt. However, many individuals lack the necessary strength, skill andcoordination, discouraging participation, even in recreational play.Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a ball game where less strength,skill and coordination is required, and where a broader range ofindividuals can participate.

In response thereto, I have invented a novel catch-and-throw ball gameand enabling apparatus, therefore, which allows a broader range ofplayers, as well as those with less skill, strength and coordination toparticipate, so many more can enjoy a fun activity, grow in sportingconfidence and benefit from a healthier lifestyle.

Over the years, numerous games have been invented which incorporate anelevated, flat surface used to play a ball game. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 5674139 discloses a system, and apparatus provides multiple playerswith a unique competitive game. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 8282511 disclosesa court and method for playing a game. However, these games fail toprovide a ball game having the unique features described below wherein auser catches and throws the ball through a hole (box) in the elevated,flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but where there are threerows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12inches.

A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a novelcatch-and-throw ball game. The game court may also be used for othersports such as volleyball, soccer-volleyball, badminton, and otherball/racquet games.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A ball game is submitted.

The ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are three rows of ten boxes. Each hole (box) in thenet is 12 inches x 12 inches, and the game ball is around 5 inches indiameter.

A user stands on either side of the elevated, flat surface and may throwthe ball through one of the holes (boxes) in the elevated, flat surface.Another user stands on the opposite side of the elevated, flat surface,and may catch the ball and return it in the same way.

The height of the elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, the number and dimensions of the holes (boxes), and the size of thegame ball may be changed/adjusted. However, the holes (boxes) in the netare at least 50% larger than the diameter of the game ball, e.g., inanother embodiment, there are three rows of eight boxes, where each hole(box) in the net is 14 inches x 14 inches, and the game ball is around 6inches in diameter.

An advantage of the present device is to provide a ball game wherein aplayer stands on one side of the elevated, flat surface and may throw aball through a hole (box) in the elevated, flat surface, and whereinanother player stands on the opposite side of the elevated, flat surfaceand may catch the ball and return it in the same way.

Another advantage is reducing the strength, skill and coordinationrequired to participate in volleyball-type activities, reaching agreater number of people and encouraging a broader range of players toget involved, e.g., creating a platform for younger, older, orphysically-challenged players.

Yet another advantage of the present device is to provide a ball gamewhich is lightweight and easy to transport.

And another advantage of the present device is to provide a ball gamethat can be easily assembled or disassembled.

Still another advantage of the present device is to provide a ball gamethat can be changed/adjusted for the height, age or ability of theplayer.

Another advantage of the present device is to provide a ball game whichis inexpensive to produce and fun to play.

For a more complete understanding of the above listed features andadvantages of the present ball game, reference should be made to thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Further, additional features and advantages of the invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of thepreferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a Illustrates an overall view of the game and playing area.

FIG. 1 b Illustrates the dimensions of the hole (box) in the elevated,flat playing surface in relation to the dimensions of the game ball.

FIG. 1 c Illustrates the dimensions of the hole (box) in the elevated,flat playing surface in relation to the dimensions of the game ball whenthere are three rows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12inches x 12 inches, when there are three rows of eight boxes and eachhole (box) in the net is 14 inches x 14 inches, and when there are threerows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 10 inches x 10inches.

FIG. 2 Illustrates ten generally cylindrical straight tubes that supportthe elevated, flat playing surface that resembles a volleyball net, butwhere there are three rows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the netis 12 inches x 12 inches.

FIG. 3 Illustrates two vertical, generally cylindrical straight tubesand four connectors that support the elevated, flat playing surface thatresembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxesand each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches.

FIG. 4 Illustrates eight horizontal, generally cylindrical straighttubes and six connectors that support the elevated, flat playing surfacethat resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of tenboxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches.

FIG. 5 Illustrates ten generally cylindrical straight tubes withpush-pins and six connectors that support the elevated, flat playingsurface that resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rowsof ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches,and where the six connectors have circular openings, wherein thecircular opening receives a portion of the cylindrical straight tubingand is secured by a push-pin.

FIG. 6 Illustrates ten generally cylindrical straight tubes withpush-pins and six connectors that support the elevated, flat playingsurface that resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rowsof ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches,and where the six connectors have circular openings, wherein thecircular opening receives a portion of the generally cylindricalstraight tubing and is secured by a push-pin. The rectangular frame issupported by six generally cylindrical straight tubes with push-pins,serving as two legs, wherein each leg may consist of three generallycylindrical straight tubes with push-pins.

FIG. 7 Illustrates ten generally cylindrical straight tubes withpush-pins and six connectors that support the elevated, flat playingsurface that resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rowsof ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches,and where the six connectors have circular openings, wherein thecircular opening receives a portion of the generally cylindricalstraight tubing and is secured by a push-pin. The rectangular frame issupported by six generally cylindrical straight tubes with push-pins,serving as two legs, wherein each leg may consist of three generallycylindrical straight tubes with push-pins, and where each leg is securedto the ground by an anchor.

FIG. 8 Illustrates an embodiment (Boxxyball Xtra) where the ball gamehas an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, butwhere there are three rows of eight boxes. Each hole (box) in the net is14 inches x 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches in diameter, andthe game may be played by younger players.

FIG. 9 Illustrates an embodiment (Boxxyball Xtreme) where the ball gamehas an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, butwhere there are two rows of twenty-four boxes. Each hole (box) in thenet is 14 inches x 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches indiameter, and the game may be played on a regular volleyball court.

FIG. 10 Illustrates an embodiment (Boxxyball Aqua) where the ball gamehas an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, butwhere there are two rows of six boxes. Each hole (box) in the net is 14inches x 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches in diameter, andthe game may be played in water.

FIG. 11 Illustrates a carrying bag to store and transport the game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A ball game is submitted.

The ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are three rows of ten boxes. Each hole (box) in thenet is 12 inches x 12 inches, and the game ball is around 5 inches indiameter.

A user stands on either side of the elevated, flat surface and may throwthe ball through one of the holes (boxes) in the elevated, flat surface.Another user stands on the opposite side of the elevated, flat surfaceand may catch the ball and return it in the same way.

The height of the elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, the number and dimensions of the holes (boxes), and the size of thegame ball may be changed/adjusted. However, the holes (boxes) in the netare at least 50% larger than the diameter of the game ball, e.g., inanother embodiment, there are three rows of eight boxes, each hole (box)in the net is 14 inches x 14 inches, and the game ball is around 6inches in diameter.

The elevated, flat playing surface resembling a volleyball net may bemade from rope-like material, for example, nylon or some otherlightweight material.

The supporting framework may have rectangular dimensions.

The elevated, flat playing surface resembling a volleyball net may besupported by a rectangular framework of generally cylindrical straighttubing.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a , a ball game is provided. The game may havean elevated, flat playing surface resembling a volleyball net, but wherethere are three rows of ten boxes. Each box in the net is 12 inches x 12inches. In addition, there is a rectangular framework, supporting legsand a ball.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , the rectangular framework may have tensections (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10).

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the rectangular framework may have twovertical sections (1) & (6) and each section may have a first end (A)and a second end (B), and may be generally cylindrical and straight.Holes at regular intervals may be used to attach and secure theelevated, flat playing surface resembling a volleyball net, but wherethere are three rows of ten boxes. Each box in the net is 12 inches x 12inches. Holes near the first end (A) and the second end (B) may containpush-pins to secure (1A) to (16) and (1B) to (11). Holes near the firstend (A) and the second end (B) may contain push pins to secure (6A) to(13) and (6B) to (14).

Referring now to FIG. 4 , the rectangular framework may have eighthorizontal sections (2), (3), (4). (5), (7), (8), (9) & (10) and eachsection may have a first end (A) and a second end (B), and may begenerally cylindrical and straight. Holes at regular intervals may beused to attach and secure the elevated, flat playing surface resemblinga volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxes. Each boxin the net is 12 inches x 12 inches. A hole near the first end (A) maycontain a push pin to secure (2A) to connector (11). Holes near thefirst end (A) and the second end (B) may contain push pins to secure(3A) to (2B) and (3B) to (12). Holes near the first end (A) and thesecond end (B) may contain push pins to secure (4A) to (12) and (4B) to(5A). A hole near the second end (B) may contain a push pin to secure(5B) to (13). A hole near the first end (A) may contain a push pin tosecure (7A) to (14). Holes near the first end (A) and the second end (B)may contain push pins to secure (8A) to (7B) and (8B) to (15). Holesnear the first end (A) and the second end (B) may contain push pins tosecure (9A) to (15) and (9B) to (10A). A hole near the second end (B)may contain a push pin to secure (10B) to (16).

Referring now to FIG. 5 , the rectangular framework may have tensections (1), (2), (3), (4). (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) & (10) and eachsection may have a first end (A) and a second end (B), and may begenerally cylindrical and straight. The supporting framework may use sixconnectors: 2 x 90-degree connectors (11) and (13); 2 x 180-degreeconnectors (12) and (15); 2 x T-connectors (14) and (16). Holes in thesupporting framework may be used to attach and secure the elevated, flatplaying surface resembling a volleyball net, but where there are threerows of ten boxes. Each box in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches. Thesecond end of the first section (1B) may connect to the first end of thesecond section (2A) using a two-way 90-degree connector (11). The secondend of the second section (2B) may directly connect to the first end ofthe third section (3A). The second end of the third section (3B) mayconnect to the first end of the fourth section (4A) using a straighttwo-way 180-degree connector (12). The second end of the fourth section(4B) may directly connect to the first end of the fifth section (5A).The second end of the fifth section (5B) may connect to the first end ofthe sixth section (6A) using a two-way 90-degree connector (13). Thesecond end of the sixth section (6B) may connect to the first end of theseventh section (7A) using a three-way T connector (14). The second endof the seventh section (7B) may directly connect with the first end ofthe eighth section (8A). The second end of the eighth section (8B) mayconnect with the first end of the ninth section (9A) using a straighttwo-way 180-degree connector (15). The second end of the ninth section(9B) may directly connect with the first end of the tenth section (10A).The second end of the tenth section (10B) may connect with the first endof the first section (1A) using a three-way T connector (16).

Referring now to FIG. 6 , the second end of the seventeenth section(17B) may connect to a three-way T connector (16). The second end of theeighteenth section (18B) may connect to the first part of theseventeenth section (17A). The first end of the eighteenth section (18A)may connect to the second part of the nineteenth section (19B). Thesecond end of the twentieth section (20B) may connect to a three-way Tconnector (14). The second end of the twenty-first section (21B) mayconnect with the first part of the twentieth section (20A). The firstend of the twenty-first section (21A) may connect with the second end ofthe twenty-second section (22B).

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the legs (17), (18), (19), (20), (21) and (22)may have a first end (A) and a second end (B), and may be generallycylindrical and straight. The legs (19) and (22) may be secured usinganchors positioned on the ground, grass, or sand.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , in another embodiment (Boxxyball Xtra) wherethe ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are three rows of eight boxes. Each hole (box) inthe net is 14 inches × 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches indiameter, and the game may be played by younger players.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , in another embodiment (Boxxyball Xtreme) wherethe ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are two rows of twenty-four boxes. Each hole (box)in the net is 14 inches x 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches indiameter, and the game may be played on a regular volleyball court.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , in another embodiment (Boxxyball Aqua) wherethe ball game has an elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyballnet, but where there are two rows of six boxes. Each hole (box) in thenet is 14 inches x 14 inches, the game ball is around 6 inches indiameter, and the game may be played in water.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , in an embodiment, the game may neatly bedisassembled and transported in a carrying bag.

PLAYING THE GAME

Boxxyball is a catch-and-throw ball game that can be played on thebeach, at the park, on a hard surface (indoor or outdoor), or even inwater. The game equipment involves a unique feature. The elevated, flatsurface which resembles a volleyball net contains three rows of tenboxes, where each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches and thegame ball is around 5 inches in diameter. The novel aspect of Boxxyballis that the game is played by throwing the ball through the net.

In the standard embodiment of the game, the net may consist of threerows of ten boxes, where each box is 12 inches x 12 inches, and the gameball may be around 5 inches in diameter.

In another embodiment, the net may consist of three rows of eight boxes,where each box is 14 inches x 14 inches, and the game ball may be around6 inches in diameter.

In another embodiment, the net may consist of two rows of twenty-fourboxes, where each box is 14 inches × 14 inches, and the game ball may bearound 6 inches in diameter.

In another embodiment, the net may consist of two rows of six boxes,where each box is 14 inches x 14 inches, and the game ball may be around6 inches in diameter.

To play the game, a user assembles the game and marks out the playingarea (which is dependent upon the version of the game).

Gameplay 1v1

Each player is permitted to touch the ball once on their side of thecourt. The first player stands behind the line at the rear of theplaying area and serves the ball by throwing it through any hole (box)in the net. If the ball fails to pass through a hole (box) in the net,service is lost and passes to the player on the other side. If the ballpasses through but touches the net and is redirected straight down onthe other side (“net drop”), this is ruled “unplayable” and the serve isretaken. If the ball passes through (the ball may touch the net, as longas it’s ruled “playable,”) the player on the other side must catch theball before it hits the ground, and with one second to release the ball,return it by throwing it through any hole (box) in the net. The servingplayer must catch the ball before it hits the ground, and with onesecond to release the ball, return it in the same way. The gamecontinues. At any point in the game, if the ball bounces off the net,the touch-count resets, so a player may catch it before it hits theground and try again (and again..., and again...).

NOTE: “Net drops” are serves that go through the net but are ruledunplayable.

How to score a point:

-   The ball touches the ground on the opposite side of the court.-   An opponent fails to return the ball.-   An opponent returns the ball, but it lands outside the playing area.-   An opponent touches the ball more than once, consecutively.-   An opponent holds the ball longer than one second.-   A player must be serving the ball to score a point.-   The ball cannot be hit with a fist or open hand - it must be caught    and thrown.-   A player cannot travel with the ball.-   A player may not use their body to block the net.

Gameplay 2v2 or More

Similar rules apply. The game begins by serving the ball through anyhole (box) in the net, but the receiving player may pass to a teammateor directly return the ball. After the ball is served, each team maytouch the ball up to three times on their side of the court (the sameplayer cannot touch the ball more than once, consecutively). If the ballbounces off the net the “touch-count” resets, so the team in possessionmay catch it before it hits the ground and use up to three touches totry again (and again, and again... ).

During teamplay, players rotate to serve the ball, and non-servingplayers may stand anywhere on the court.

Official or house rules may be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the game may be played on a differentsurface, with the legs secured or stabilized to enable gameplay on thatparticular surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the game may be played with differentdimensions, e.g., a lower net and larger boxes may be suitable foryounger or older players.

In an alternative embodiment, the game may be played in water, with thenet secured in or over a body of water or swimming pool.

In an alternative embodiment, the game may be played with an extendednet that allows more people to play, e.g., using a regular-sizedvolleyball court.

Although embodiments of the invention are shown and described herein, itshould be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing itsattendant advantages.

REFERENCES CITED U.S Pat. Documents 277551 May 1883 S. Cunningham755,936 March 1904 J. H. Ricau 1,362,238 December 1920 P. A. Dietz4153247 May 1979 Everett M. Burns 4357019 November 1982 Howard L.Wouters 4826178 May 1989 Scott Brian Cloran 5018746 May 1991 Joseph W.Cardoza, Jr. 5303932 April 1994 Brian D. Kessler 5,816,956 October 1998John Ellis, Christopher Harms 4,457,513 July 1984 Richard B. Thompson5674139 October 1997 John D. Brooks 6,461,258 October 2002 Michael M.Vacanti D722660 February 2015 Zhong Chun Yuan 10,376,763 August 2019William D. Crosby 10,226,679 March 2019 David Nelson, John LucasD877,827 March 2020 Ning Xie

I claim:
 1. A ball game comprising an elevated, flat surface whichresembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxes.Each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches, and the game ballis around 5 inches in diameter. an elevated, flat surface whichresembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of ten boxesand each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches x 12 inches. a game ballthat is around 5 inches in diameter for throwing through the elevated,flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but where there are threerows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches × 12inches. a plurality of supports wherein the plurality of supports have afirst end and a second end, and wherein the first end is located nearthe elevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but wherethere are three rows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12inches x 12 inches, and wherein the second end is located near theground. a plurality of generally cylindrical straight tubing wherein theplurality of generally cylindrical straight tubing, when assembled,forms a rectangle that surrounds and supports the elevated, flat surfacewhich resembles a volleyball net, but where there are three rows of tenboxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches × 12 inches. aplurality of connectors/fittings which connect the plurality ofgenerally cylindrical straight tubing, where a plurality ofconnectors/fittings have a circular opening wherein the circular openingreceives a portion of the plurality of generally cylindrical straighttubing. a plurality of push-pins which connect the plurality ofconnectors/fittings to the plurality of cylindrical straight tubing,where a plurality of connectors/fittings have a circular opening whereinthe circular opening receives a portion of the plurality of generallycylindrical straight tubing.
 2. The ball game of claim 1, wherein theplurality of push-pins inserted in the generally cylindrical straighttubing connect to the plurality of connectors/fittings.
 3. The ball gameof claim 1, wherein the length of the plurality of generally cylindricalstraight tubing is straight.
 4. The ball game of claim 1, wherein theelevated, flat surface which resembles a volleyball net, but where thereare three rows of ten boxes and each hole (box) in the net is 12 inches× 12 inches, consists of netting that is secured and held in tension bythe plurality of generally cylindrical straight tubing connected to theconnectors/fittings using push-pins.